Mobile phone operators seek fair tax regime
Mobile operators yesterday demanded a fair tax regime and a level-playing field, saying they pay higher corporate tax than other sectors do.
Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB) placed the demands to Tarana Halim, the new state minister of the telecom division, at a meeting at her office in the secretariat.
Tarana said she will work to create an investment-friendly environment, but for that the operators need to improve service quality, introduce new value-added services and establish a pro-people industry.
Though Bangladesh is a low-revenue market compared to other countries, the operators are trying their best to offer optimum and world class services, AMTOB leaders told the state minister.
"We have raised some issues such as taxation and policy framework and she responded very positively," TIM Nurul Kabir, AMTOB secretary general, said after the meeting.
"Corporate and other taxes are higher for us than other industries, but to build a digitised country we want suitable tax regulations."
Growth in foreign direct investment fell drastically in the telecom sector in 2014 compared to the previous year, according to a presentation by Amtob.
"To improve investor confidence immediately, we need swift action and amendment to some relevant policies," Kabir added.
Tarana acknowledged the existence of some problems in the sector, and said she wants to make the ministry corruption-free.
"If you have any complaints, please let me know and assist me towards building a corruption-free ministry," she added.
Operators sought the state minister's intervention in various issues such as SIM tax, technology neutrality, competitive atmosphere, and over-regulation.
The minister said she would take initiatives after consultation with sector stakeholders.
Telecom Secretary M Faizur Rahman Chow-dhury, BTRC Chairman Sunil Kanti Bose, AMTOB Chairman and Banglalink CEO Ziad Shatara, Grameenphone CEO Rajeev Sethi, Robi Managing Director and CEO Supun Weerasinghe, and representatives of Airtel, Citycell and Teletalk attended the meeting.